Key features
- Matarbari Port is the first deep-sea port in Bangladesh
- It will begin operations in 2026
- The Matarbari Port will have two terminals
- Tk 17,777.20 billion is the projected cost of the Matarbari Port project
Bangladesh has entered the much-awaited era of deep-sea ports. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 11 November 2023 inaugurated the Matarbari Deep Sea Port Channel and laid the foundation stone of the first terminal construction work. It was acquired from the Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Limited (CPGCBL). Through this, the construction work of the first terminal of the country’s first deep sea port is going to start at Matarbari in Maheshkhali of Cox’s Bazar district.
The inauguration of the Matarbari deep seaport channel and the foundation laying ceremony for the first terminal are both crucial milestones in the nation’s development plan. Once the deep-sea port is operational, Matarbari will evolve into a key regional commercial hub, serving as a transshipment port and becoming an essential component of the country’s economy, following in the footsteps of the Chittagong port. This is a big success for the Awami League government. As a result, the quality of life of the people of this region will improve.
“When Awami League came to power, people’s fortunes changed. The people of Bangladesh are my family. I received the love of my father, mother, and brother from you. I am willing to give life like my father for you. When the opposition party was in power, I came to these areas and saw that there was nothing except salt cultivation here. I stood by those salt farmers. I came to Matarbari to see the cyclone-damaged area in 1991. I listened to the general demands of the people of these areas. So after coming to power, I started working on the development of these areas.”
-Prime Minister Minister Sheikh
Matarbari Port will play the role of a game changer for the economy of Bangladesh. This port can accommodate 8,000 TEUS container ships at any given time. The cost of transporting goods will come down significantly as a result of more containers coming together on bigger ships. Matarbari Maheshkhali area around the port will develop an economic zone with extensive industrialization. As a result, massive employment will be created.
According to The Ministry of Shipping, Matarbari Port will play the role of a game changer for the economy of Bangladesh. This port can accommodate eight thousand TEUS vessels at any given time at low tide. Shipping lines will enjoy considerable benefits in deploying ships to Bangladesh. As a result, the cost of transportation of goods will be significantly reduced.
The Matarbari Port Development Project
The Matarbari Port Development Project, to create the country’s first deep seaport, is in progress with a projected cost of Tk17,777.20 crore, and it is expected to continue until December 31, 2026, following its approval. The implementation process is currently advancing. Japan will contribute $1.27 billion to the Matarbari Port Development Project’s tranche.
The Matarbari Deep Sea Port channel
Under The Matarbari port development project the Matarbari channel, initially built by the state-owned Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Limited (CPGCBL It was officially transferred to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) on September 20, 2023. Consequently, the CPA is now responsible for overseeing dues, berth hire charges, piloting, tug charges, berthing, and other associated fees for the management of the Matarbari channel.
Initially designed for the construction of a 1,200MW coal-based power plant, CPGCBL constructed the channels and two jetties with a channel length of 14.3 kilometers, a width of 250 meters, and a depth of 18.5 meters. To prepare for the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, the channel’s width was expanded from 250 meters to 350 meters.
The project also entailed the construction of 1,753 meters of breakwater in the north, 713 meters of breakwater in the south, and 1,803 meters of revetment in the north to enhance the safety and security of the channel.
The Matarbari Deep Sea Port
Matarbari Port, located in the Matarbari area of Chittagong Division, Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh, is a proposed deep-sea port. The expansion and conversion of the coal loading jetty for a power plant in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar District, into a full-fledged commercial port is in progress. The port has a depth of 16 meters, allowing vessels with a draft of at least 15 meters to enter, each capable of carrying over 8,000 containers. Currently, Chittagong and Mongla, the country’s two seaports, can only accommodate ships with draft depths of less than 9 meters.
JICA is overseeing the construction of a 14.3 km-long naval channel for the establishment of Matarbari port, with the main navigational channel being 350 meters wide. Furthermore, a 100-meter-long jetty will be constructed with port funding, as approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on March 10, 2020. The multipurpose terminal at the deep-sea port is expected to be ready for container ships in November 2026.
In accordance with an agreement between the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources on November 29, 2018, the channel width for the construction of Matarbari Port has been increased by 100 meters to 350 meters.
The initial plan for Matarbari Port’s construction includes two terminals in the first phase. These terminals, the general cargo and container terminals, will be capable of accommodating large vessels (mother vessels) that currently cannot dock at any port jetty in Bangladesh.
The container terminal, covering 18 hectares of land in the first phase, will have a 460-meter-long berth and a capacity of 600,000 to 1.1 million TEU annually, accommodating 8,000 TEU vessels. According to project officials, once the construction is completed, the Matarbari deep-sea port terminal will be accessible to vessels with 18-meter drafts, allowing 8 to 10 thousand container ships to directly access the jetty.
Matarbari Port Development Project Benefits
The massive economic activity that will revolve around the Matarbari port is expected to contribute 2-3 percent to Bangladesh’s economy and GDP.
Matarbari Port Development Project Benefits are discussed below;
Enhanced Connectivity:
The construction of the Matarbari Port will significantly improve connectivity within Bangladesh and with neighboring countries. It will serve as a vital gateway for trade and transportation, reducing congestion at other major ports like Chittagong and facilitating smoother movement of goods.
Economic Growth:
The port has become a catalyst for economic growth in the region. It will attract investments in logistics, manufacturing, and associated industries, creating job opportunities and stimulating local and national economies.
Increased Trade:
Matarbari Port’s strategic location near the Bay of Bengal will make it an important hub for international trade. It will enable Bangladesh to expand its export-import activities, increasing trade volumes and contributing to the country’s economic development.
Energy Infrastructure:
In addition to the port, the Matarbari area hosts a significant energy infrastructure project, including a coal-fired power plant. This power generation capacity will bolster Bangladesh’s energy security and provide a reliable source of electricity to support industrial and economic growth.
Environmental Considerations:
The project has also emphasized environmental sustainability. Efforts have been made to mitigate the environmental impact of the port and power plant by implementing measures to reduce pollution and protect local ecosystems.
Regional Development:
The development of Matarbari Port will spur regional development, leading to improved infrastructure, healthcare, and education facilities. It will also contribute to an overall increase in the quality of life for local communities.
International Relations:
The project will strengthen Bangladesh’s ties with neighboring countries by fostering regional economic cooperation and trade. It will play a pivotal role in enhancing diplomatic relations and economic partnerships with nations in the Bay of Bengal region.
